State Parks History & Nature Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks The First War (1817-1818) took place in Florida and southern Georgia when U.S. troops Dade Battlefield Historic State Park Dade Battlefield attacked and defeated a group of . 7200 County Road 603 Historic Spain formally ceded Florida to the United States Bushnell, FL 33513 Southwest Phone: (352) 793-4781 in 1821. When Florida became a U.S. territory Florida State Park and more settlers began steadily moving into tribal FloridaStateParks.org territory, the Native Americans were forced to A National Historic Landmark move south. Park Guidelines By the 1830s, significant conflict had arisen between Seminoles and white settlers who • Open 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. coveted Seminole lands. The Seminole practice • Visitor Center is open 9:00 a.m. until of giving refuge to fugitive slaves added further 5:00 p.m. daily. cause for conflict. • An entrance fee is required. • All plants, animals and park property are With the signing of the treaty of Payne’s Landing protected. Please help preserve our historic in 1832, some chiefs agreed to move to territory resources. west of the Mississippi River. Widespread • For your safety, please do not feed or attempt to opposition to this treaty, led by a Seminole Chief touch any animals. named , resulted in the outbreak of the • Pets are permitted in designated areas only and . must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet and well behaved at all times. In December 1835, 108 U.S. troops and officers • Become a volunteer. Inquire at the visitor center. were marching from (Tampa) to • For information about joining Dade Battlefield reinforce Fort King (Ocala). One hundred miles Society, call the visitor center at 352-793-4781 from Fort Brooke, they were attacked by 180 or visit www.dadebattlefield.com. Seminole warriors. All but three of the soldiers • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing were killed. equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your In 1921, the state legislature appropriated participation, please contact the visitor center. funds for the preservation of the battle site as a memorial. Today visitors can tour the site where a replica of the original log breastwork can be seen. A visitor center and a section of the original Fort Alternate format King Military Road provide insight into a battle available upon between Florida’s clashing cultures. request at any Florida state park.

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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, FL. VOLKSSPORT ASSOCIATION TRAIL BATTLEFIELD DR. BATTLEFIELD this 80-acre park features the historic battlefield, a PARK visitor center, nature trail through 40 acres of pine ENTRANCE flatwoods, playground, recreation hall and picnic area with covered pavilions.

At the visitor center enjoy a twelve-minute video, This Land, These Men, exhibits and artifacts about the battle history. Mannequins model clothing worn by the soldiers and Seminoles and the muskets they used. A variety of books related to MONUMENTS Dade’s battle and the Seminole culture, tee-shirts PINE FLATWOODS TRAIL and postcards are available. RECREATION HALL TRAIL MILITARY Review the events of the battle along the trail that LOG REENACTMENT 250 YEAR BREAST follows a stretch of the historic Fort King Military VIEWING MOUND OLD TREE WORK Road. The trail features interpretive signs and monuments to Dade and his troops.

Special events at the park include an annual C.R. 650 reenactment of the Dade Battle in late December or early January. World War II Day takes place HIKING the first Saturday of August. Ranger led tours and PARKING N Directions talks are available to groups by reservation at Dade Battlefield Historic least two weeks prior to visiting. PAVILION State Park is located off PICNICKING W E I-75, exit 314. Take State A leisurely walk along the Pine Flatwoods Trail Road 48 east for one mile acquaints visitors with the native pine forest that PLAYGROUND and turn left on CR 603. Go S to the end of the road to the is home to gopher tortoises, a variety of snakes, RESTROOMS park entrance. woodpeckers, hawks, herons, songbirds and other animals. VISITOR CENTER

The park offers six picnic pavilions on a first- come, first-serve basis or for rental. Five of these pavilions have electricity. A playground and restrooms are near the pavilions.

The recreation hall, with a full kitchen, restrooms and seating for 98 people, can be rented for meetings, reunions or other special occasions.

Photo: Christina Drain